2:47:59

Yep, there it is... a goal.  Two hours, forty seven minutes, and fifty nine seconds.

I honestly haven't had a real running goal for quite some time... almost 3 years now.  Seems like a lifetime.  Part of me wonders if it's a pipe dream; part of me knows I've not really come close to my running potential.  While I'm happy with my past running experiences, I am not happy to have been in this void for so long.  It's like a funk that I just haven't been able to shake off.  Now, I need to change it.

The past couple of weeks I've been ramping up a bit.  I've been running a few shorter mileage doubles and a couple of 2 hour runs.  I've just been testing out the body to see how it responds.  So far, no problems.  As Labor Day weekend approaches, I'm feeling optimistic about the challenge.

This is where I'll track my updates.  This is where I'll have to keep myself honest.  I've no target race at the moment; just the idea that I will crush my PR... probably in the fall of 2014.  I expect that this little thread will be around for a while...

Happy running!

Ok, I'll ask:  Why 2:47:59? Does 6:25 pace just sound right?

Dave-O wrote:Ok, I'll ask:  Why 2:47:59? Does 6:25 pace just sound right?

It's faster than 2 hours + age.  A worthy goal, I think, but one that will require a sound approach, consistent execution, and unwavering determination.  I'm thinking out my basic framework and will start documenting it later today. 
 
UPDATED: 8/30/2013
I'm thinking something like:
-12 weeks general build up
- 2 weeks cut back
- 8 weeks quality intro (5k/10k effort - max 5% miles)
- 1 week cutback
- 8 weeks build up w/quality (15k-HM effort - max 7% miles)
- 1 weeks cut back
- 8 weeks build up w/quality (all effort ranges - max 10% miles)
- 2 weeks cut back
- 4 weeks lower mileage track & speed drills
- 12 week race specific program
 
Thinking this through, I should reach a good peak after the 8 week build up w/quality, another peak after 12 week build up w/quality, then a final peak after the 12 week race specific program.
 
What would you think of an approach like this?

No comment on the approach, just glad to see you back at it.  I, too, do not think you reached your potential yet, and it is great to see you set a new goal.

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:No comment on the approach, just glad to see you back at it.  I, too, do not think you reached your potential yet, and it is great to see you set a new goal.

Thanks, Michele.  I am hopeful that this is a turning point.  It feels like it is...

I do welcome comments on anything I post here.  My idea for the 'big picture' is to apply some cycles that build up smartly.  I'm trying to respect both quantity and quality by building some specific periods and taking some planned step backs.  While I've been reasonably successful just following the RUN MORE philosophy, I'm certain that there is a point of diminishing returns and I very likely hit that point 3 years ago.  My thought is that I still need high mileage, but I need to also have a smart plan that incorporates structured quality sessions.  Getting there without breaking is the balancing act... the tightrope walk... I cannot afford to 'just wing it' this time.  That's why I hope to get feedback along the way.

Weight, nutrition, and core strength are all important aspects in addition to the running.  2:47:59 is a HUGE jump from where I am, and on the face of it... not likely.  That's the beauty.  That's the motivation.

Sounds like a good goal. What is your PR today?

And please track your progress so I can copy your plan in a few years.

Thanks!

Hey Ben!  My PR is from Chicago '10 - 2:59:35.  I paced it pretty well and some think I could have been a couple of minutes faster on a better day if I'd been aggressive.  I don't know about that.

I do view my goal as possible, but unlikely.  I'm not blowing smoke up my own rear end... or anyone else's.   

I plan to post here quite a bit.  I'm interested in finding out what I can still do... I'm pretty old, you know...

 Dave apparently doesn't understand men's mentality at 40+. As soon as I saw whose blog it was, I knew what it meant. 


Good luck, Matt.

Thanks, Jerry!  Good to know you caught on right away... that means you're also thinking about some new goals, too, eh?  Maybe?
 
I'd love to read a Jerry training blog!!!     

Mr MattM wrote:Thanks, Jerry!  Good to know you caught on right away... that means you're also thinking about some new goals, too, eh?  Maybe?
 
I'd love to read a Jerry training blog!!!     

No, I am two years younger.

Mr MattM wrote:Hey Ben!  My PR is from Chicago '10 - 2:59:35.  I paced it pretty well and some think I could have been a couple of minutes faster on a better day if I'd been aggressive.  I don't know about that.

I do view my goal as possible, but unlikely.  I'm not blowing smoke up my own rear end... or anyone else's.   

I plan to post here quite a bit.  I'm interested in finding out what I can still do... I'm pretty old, you know...

Um, yeah, you could have been several minutes faster if it hadn't been 8 billion degrees that day.  You handled it better than most, but there's no doubt in my mind (having completely blown up around 21 miles or so myself) that it cost you a couple minutes.

That's a big bold goal as the best ones always are!  Please keep us posted as you start working your way towards it.

Jerry wrote:

Mr MattM wrote:Thanks, Jerry!  Good to know you caught on right away... that means you're also thinking about some new goals, too, eh?  Maybe?
 
I'd love to read a Jerry training blog!!!     

No, I am two years younger.

Then you should be FASTER!   

mul21 wrote:

Mr MattM wrote:Hey Ben!  My PR is from Chicago '10 - 2:59:35.  I paced it pretty well and some think I could have been a couple of minutes faster on a better day if I'd been aggressive.  I don't know about that.

I do view my goal as possible, but unlikely.  I'm not blowing smoke up my own rear end... or anyone else's.   

I plan to post here quite a bit.  I'm interested in finding out what I can still do... I'm pretty old, you know...

Um, yeah, you could have been several minutes faster if it hadn't been 8 billion degrees that day.  You handled it better than most, but there's no doubt in my mind (having completely blown up around 21 miles or so myself) that it cost you a couple minutes.

The thing is, I was pacing for 2:59:xx so it wouldn't have mattered what the conditions were... I'll never know what could have been... but it was a warm day!

Chris M wrote:That's a big bold goal as the best ones always are!  Please keep us posted as you start working your way towards it.

Of course, sir... hopefully, you'll help keep me honest (and smart!)...

Well, today I was happy to pick up a new running partner from the office... 26 year old blonde-haired, blue-eyed graphic artist from the marketing department.  Quite a looker.  We went out for an easy 4 miler over lunch.

I also play in a softball league with some guys from the office.  Some of the top dogs (CEO, CIO, and a couple of other VPs).  I get back to the office from the lunch run and I run into the CIO.  He pulls me into his office and says "Matt, I have to tell you... me and George (CEO) and Jeremy and Bob (other softball teammates) were driving back from lunch we saw this girl running and Jeremy said 'that looks like Josey'... and then we all went 'And that's Manning with her!'"

Funny... they were quite jealous.   

Anyway, I'm at 31 miles so far this week and all is well.  Slow and steady...

Mr MattM wrote:Hey Ben!  My PR is from Chicago '10 - 2:59:35.  I paced it pretty well and some think I could have been a couple of minutes faster on a better day if I'd been aggressive.  I don't know about that.

I do view my goal as possible, but unlikely.  I'm not blowing smoke up my own rear end... or anyone else's.   

I plan to post here quite a bit.  I'm interested in finding out what I can still do... I'm pretty old, you know...

That day ended in the mid-eighties. Either you run hot well or you have a lot of room to best it on a cooler day! Good luck on the training and execution.

fostever wrote:That day ended in the mid-eighties. Either you run hot well or you have a lot of room to best it on a cooler day! Good luck on the training and execution.

Well, I finished early enough that I didn't suffer the really oppressive heat... but yeah, it wasn't ideal conditions.  There's just no way to quantify it relative to my fitness at the time.  I had fully intended to continue training/improving and race more marathons, but things went a different direction and I haven't been in 'race shape' since.

Thanks for the well-wishes as I get this ship turned around!

What is this 2 hours + age business? Never heard that one.  I like the idea, but for me, I'd have to modify it to 3 hours + age.  3:32 marathon.....maybe someday if I train like crazy for it. 
Well, have fun with your new beautiful running partner....do we need to be worried about her?
Nice running! I like the idea of setting big / lofty goals--that much sweeter when you reach them.

Thanks, Penelope! I don't think anyone needs to worry about my co-worker. If I were to pursue her I'd feel like I needed to add my name to one of those registries...  

Yeah, lofty goals are cool, but double-edged. Luckily, I'm a realist.

Penelope wrote:What is this 2 hours + age business? Never heard that one.  

Tell her about "Moose Mugs", Matt.

Chris M wrote:

Penelope wrote:What is this 2 hours + age business? Never heard that one.  

Tell her about "Moose Mugs", Matt.

Without the whole context of RWOL and Rbbmoose it won't make a lot of sense, but the short version is that there is a guy (older guy who went by the alias Rbbmoose) who used to post a lot on the Runners World forums that set the challenge... run under 2 + age and receive a beautiful custom "Moose Mug" with your name and finish time engraved on it... on his dime.  It spawned it's own thread on the RWOL forums and that's where all of the fast, competitive jerks hang out and talk running.  Rbbmoose (Ray) was a fast SOB.
 
So, that's a real test... running under 2:48 at 48 years old would put me over 81% which is a 'National Class' runner.  That's no small accomplishment!  I'm still in the game... one day at a time.

I modified my outline a bit, moving 4 more weeks to the 5k/10k period and cutting back on the latter buildup w/quality. It was suggested that since I've spent so little effort on speed in the past years that it is both my biggest weakness and greatest area of opportunity. I agree.

I think I'll stick with 3hrs + age too, but I'm excited to see you with a new goal Matt.

Mr MattM wrote:

Chris M wrote:

Penelope wrote:What is this 2 hours + age business? Never heard that one.  

Tell her about "Moose Mugs", Matt.

Without the whole context of RWOL and Rbbmoose it won't make a lot of sense, but the short version is that there is a guy (older guy who went by the alias Rbbmoose) who used to post a lot on the Runners World forums that set the challenge... run under 2 + age and receive a beautiful custom "Moose Mug" with your name and finish time engraved on it... on his dime.  It spawned it's own thread on the RWOL forums and that's where all of the fast, competitive jerks hang out and talk running.  Rbbmoose (Ray) was a fast SOB.
 
So, that's a real test... running under 2:48 at 48 years old would put me over 81% which is a 'National Class' runner.  That's no small accomplishment!  I'm still in the game... one day at a time.

interesting.  my PR at 55 is 2:58:02.  Will be 57 in November.  Could be a good target for Boston.  Good luck with your plan Matt.  I will follow along.

I've run 10 days straight, and managed 13 today (7 and 6)... I have a non-impacting (running-wise) back pain and a swollen right foot joint on my big toe.  Isn't this running stuff just fantastic?  Yes, yes it is...

Mr MattM wrote:I've run 10 days straight, and managed 13 today (7 and 6)... I have a non-impacting (running-wise) back pain and a swollen right foot joint on my big toe.  Isn't this running stuff just fantastic?  Yes, yes it is...

Hey Matt best of luck at hitting your goal, it's a worthy one! Funny i hear you on the back pain, I went to bend over and left up my daughter the other day and tweaked my back! Just lovely getting older. Yes, this running stuff is fantastic!